Dubai’s certainly not the first place that springs to mind when you’re thinking of budget location. In fact, Dubai is the most expensive city in the Middle East and the 14th most expensive city in the world!
However, if you’re travelling solo or would like to save up your hard-earned traveling cash to enjoy other tourist attractions in Dubai, there are accommodation options that won’t cost you the heart. Although not common, there ARE cheap hostels in Dubai designed for budget-minded travelers who just need a place to crash after a day of fun and adventures in Dubai.
Most hostels offer, at a minimum, free wi-fi, air-conditioned private or dorm rooms, laundry facilities, and a kitchen. Some will additionally provide access to a gym, and even a pool for visitors – though typically, these are shared common facilities with other building residents.
Don’t expect many ‘traditional’ backpacker-type hostels in Dubai in standalone buildings. Most are converted apartments within larger buildings that have been adapted for the budget accommodation market and labelled as hostels.
In this article, we have rounded up some of the best cheap hostels in Dubai, specifically for budget travellers to the city. So, let’s get started.
9 Best Hostels in Dubai
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| Hotel Name | Location | Key Features & Perks | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sky Apartment | Dubai Marina | Gym Swimming pool Self-catering kitchen Laundry Breakfast to purchase | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| Bohemian Backpackers | Jumeirah Beach Residence | Large spacious rooms with attached bathrooms Kitchen for the residents Huge common room Grocery store downstairs | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| Route 66 | Jumeirah Beach Residence | Air-conditioners Attached bathrooms Mini bar On-site restaurant Fitness gym Garden area Sun terraces | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| 1 World Backpackers | Dubai Marina | Dedicated area for people who are working from home Spacious with air-conditioners and attached bathrooms | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| Best Location Hostel | Dubai Marina | Access to 3 pools and gym 24-hour supermarket downstairs Attached bathrooms, balconies, lockers, and complimentary Wi-Fi | Hostelworld |
| Expo Stay | Discovery Gardens | Attached bathrooms Air-conditioning Hair dryers, bed linen, and coffee/tea makers Outdoor swimming pool Shared lounge Garden area Shared kitchen | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| California Hostel | Jumeriah Beach Residence | Access to 5 swimming pools and fitness center Shared lounge Self-catering kitchen Spectacular waterfront view | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| Lunar Hostel Plus | Jumeirah Beach Residence | Air-conditioned rooms Cable TV Shared bathrooms Swimming pool Shared lounge Garden area | Booking.com Hostelworld |
| Homestar Deluxe | Jumeirah Beach Residence | Air-conditioned rooms Refrigerators Microwaves Washing machines | Booking.com Hostelworld |
Let’s take a closer look at the best cheap hostels in Dubai where you can enjoy a comfortable yet pocket-friendly stay in prime city locations:
1. Green Sky Apartment
- Location: Marina Crown Tower, Dubai Marina
- Best for solo travellers or groups of friends
- Room Type/Cost: Dorms and private rooms starting from AED 95/night
Located right in the heart of the city in the Marina Crown Tower, Green Sky Apartment is considered one of the best backpacker hostels in Dubai on a budget.
It is situated just a few minutes away from the Dubai Metro and tram and has a supermarket right next door. Plus, the fantastic views from the balcony make it worth staying here. It has 4 shared bedrooms with 3 beds in each room and can accommodate up to 12 people total.
Other features of the hostel include access to a gym, a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a self-catering kitchen, and laundry supplies and equipment. In the common area, guests can enjoy a gaming console, board games and a pool table.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay in Dubai, we suggest booking a room at Green Sky Apartment.
Read TripAdvisor Reviews | See more reviews and information on Hostelworld
2. Bohemian Backpackers
- Location: Sadaf 4, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Best for solo travellers on a budget
- Room Type/Cost: Dorm rooms starting from AED 81/night
If you’re looking for a hostel in Dubai that offers comfortable accommodation, is pocket-friendly, and has mesmerizing views of the Dubai Marina, look no further than Bohemian Backpakers (previously Druzya Backpackers).
It is situated in Jumeirah Beach Residence on the 23rd floor, so you can imagine how amazing the experience of sitting on the balcony overlooking the Jumeirah beach is going to be! The hostel is just a 5-minute walk away from Dubai Metro and the tram, with a grocery store on the ground floor.
The hostel has large spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Plus, there’s a kitchen for the residents to prepare their own meals as well. Apart from this, Bohemian Backpackers has a massive common room, where you can play indoor games, like billiards, to relax and chill.
Check out reviews and read more about Bohemian Backpackers on Hostelworld
3. Route 66
- Location: Amwaj 4, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Best for solo travellers or a group of adults
- Room Type/Cost: Shared and private rooms Starting from AED 103/night
Route 66 is a beach-front hostel in Dubai that offers a wide range of amenities to guests. For starters, all the rooms are equipped with air-conditioners, attached bathrooms, a mini bar, a microwave, and a kettle. Other than this, there’s an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness gym, a garden area, and sun terraces to take in the beautiful view of the surrounding area.
You can also spend time playing billiards and darts in the shared lounge, and if you’re interested in outdoor activities, you can go for a bicycle ride on the nearby trails.
Even though Route 66 Hostel is a tad bit more expensive than other Dubai hostels, its comfort and features make it worth paying for – it’s still cheaper than a private hotel room on the beachfront!
Read TripAdvisor Reviews | See further reviews and facilities on Hostelworld
4. 1 World Backpackers
- Location: Elite Residences, Dubai Marina
- Best for travellers looking for a place to WFH
- Room Type/Cost: Shared rooms starting from AED 139/night
Dubai is known for its skyscrapers, and it’s only fair if you want to experience the true beauty of the city while perched on top of one! 1 World Backpackers Hostel makes this dream come true!
Situated on the 61st floor of Elite Residences in Dubai Marina, it is famous for being one of the highest hostels in the world. The best part about staying in this hostel is obviously the view; however, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and other attractions just close by, it is the best area to stay in, especially if you’re looking to have fun.
The hostel has a dedicated area for digital nomads who are working from home or require Wi-Fi to get about their daily business. Plus, there’s a separate lounge for people who would like to relax and watch some TV.
The rooms at 1 World Backpackers are spacious with air-conditioners and attached bathrooms. Most rooms have balconies that give you a clear and mesmerizing view of the Dubai skyline, the shimmering water, and the spectacular night sky.
See traveller reviews and read more on 1 World Backpackers on Hostelworld
5. Best Location Hostel
- Location: Dream Tower, Dubai Marina
- Best for solo travellers looking for a mid-range hostel
- Room Type/Cost: Private and dorm rooms starting from AED 126/night
Best Location Hostel, as the name suggests, is located in Dream Tower in Dubai Marina. It is a centrally located hostel with the metro just across the road, the airport a few miles away, and all the major attractions of Dubai within walking distance.
The hostel comes with access to 3 pools for the guests, a gym, and a 24-hour supermarket just downstairs. The rooms are reasonably sized, with attached bathrooms, balconies, lockers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Furthermore, there’s a fully-equipped self-catering kitchen to use for free.
In short, if you’re looking for a mid-range hostel to stay in for a few days in Dubai, Best Location is one of the best affordable hostels in Dubai.
6. Expo Stay
- Location: Discovery Gardens, Dubai
- Best for budget travellers looking for a place to stay with all basic features.
- Room Type/Cost: Shared and private rooms starting from AED 94/night
As is apparent from the name, Expo Stay is a budget-friendly adult-only hostel in Dubai, specifically for people visiting Dubai Expo. The hostel is located just 2 minutes away from the Discovery Gardens metro station, while the Dubai and Emirates Malls are also 15 minutes away.
The hostel has shared and private room options with attached bathrooms, air-conditioning, hair dryers, bed linen, and coffee/tea makers. Other features include an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden area, and a shared kitchen.
So, if you’re visiting Dubai for a few days, and want an affordable place to stay, Expo Stay is a good option.
Read TripAdvisor Reviews | See further reviews and facilities on Hostelworld
7. California Hostel
- Location: Bahar 5, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Best for Solo travellers looking to make connections
- Room Type/Cost: Dorms and private rooms starting from AED 126/night
One of the best youth hostels in Dubai is the California Hostel. It is located at a prime beachfront location, with everything just a walk away. Whether you’re looking for cafes, restaurants, clubs, or a day at the beach, you just have to step out of the hostel and you will find it right there!
The dorm and private rooms are spacious, and most of them have a kitchenette equipped with a microwave, toaster, and mini fridge. Other amenities available are 5 swimming pools, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a shared lounge, and a self-catering kitchen.
The best part about the California Hostel is that guests are treated to a scrumptious American breakfast each morning, which you can enjoy on the terrace with a spectacular waterfront vie (additional charge).
Read TripAdvisor Reviews | See further reviews and check out all the facilities on Hostelworld
8. Lunar Hostel Plus
- Location: The Walk, Sadaf 8, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Best for budget-savvy travellers who want a great location
- Room Type/Cost: Dormitories start from AED 150/night
If you’re looking to stay in a prime location in Dubai but save a few dirhams, then Lunar Hostel might be what you are after. Situated in the prime beachfront location of JBT, you are only 300 metres from Marina Beach and close to the Metro and Marina Tram.
Accommodation here is all dorm rooms, with mixed, female, and male options. Some rooms come with a balcony, and all have access to extensive kitchen facilities, a dining area, and shared bathrooms.
For recreation time, enjoy the use of a Playstation and board games in the common room, and guests can use the building’s pool and fitness centre.
Note there are tea and coffee-making facilities on offer but no paid breakfast options – you’re a stone’s throw away, though, from supermarkets and cafes.
Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Read more reviews and learn about facilities on Hostelworld
9. Homestar Deluxe
- Location: Sadaf 2, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Best for Flashpackers who love somewhere modern and clean on a budget
- Room Type/Cost: Dormitories start from AED 125AED/night
Homestar in Dubai Marina is in a superb location for travellers, within walking distance of the Dubai Marina, 600 metres from the beach and other popular landmarks.
The dorm rooms are air-conditioned and well-decorated, fully equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines. Each room has an attached bath, complete with a hairdryer and hot tub.
This Solo Traveler Hostel is the perfect place to stay for people who don’t want to spend a hefty amount on accommodation and food and are looking for a nice and clean place to stay during their trip.
Note Homestar have a further sister property, also in JBR that may be worth checking out.
Read reviews and check out facilities on Hostelworld
More Frequently Asked Questions on Dubai Accommodation
It really depends on what your in Dubai to see and do, for how long, and what your budget is.
Tourists looking to get a good flavour of the dining, beaches, and adventure activities the city has to offer, like staying around the Dubai Marina/JBR area of the city with its vibrant nightlife. Note, it is a good 30 minutes from DXB but well-connected to public transport.
If you are only in town for a short time or want a feel more traditional side to Dubai, you may prefer to stay in Deira or Bur Dubai, which also has more budget options when it comes to hotels and short-term lets and is close to the airport.
Those wanting to be in the heart of modern Dubai should stay around Downtown, whilst sunshine seekers with money to spend will love Palm Jumeirah.
We have a detailed guide to the best places to stay in Dubai, which may help you get a better grasp on the areas of the city, or check out our handy Dubai accommodation map.
Yes, laws prohibiting unmarried couples from cohabitating have recently been reformed – whilst it’s been “allowed” for many years, the laws now align with what is common practice.
As for whether individuals can share a bed or room, dorms in Dubai are mostly single-sex; however, couples may be able to share a private room if hostel house rules permit.
Relative to other countries, yes. Dubai dorm rooms start from around 80 AED (US$22), but for higher-rated properties in great locations, expect to pay more like 130-150 AED per night (US $35-$40) for a dorm bed.
Yes, all accommodation in Dubai incurs local municipality taxes that must be paid in addition to the charge per bed. Do confirm with your booking provider if your taxes are included or excluded and payable on arrival to avoid any nasty surprises, your cheap hostel in Dubai may not seem so cheap!
This will vary by hostel, but you can expect, at a minimum, most will offer inclusive air conditioning, a bathroom (towels may cost more), free wifi, and linen, along with basic cooking facilities such as a stove, microwave, and a fridge.
You are likely to pay more for towel hire, hair dryer hire, breakfast and snacks.
There used to be some budget shared accommodation options in the Downtown area, but it’s our understanding that these have been banned by the developers, so you will need to look to other areas of the city for your cheap accommodation in Dubai.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
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